Aging Together: Self-Perceptions of Aging and Family Experiences Among Korean Baby Boomer Couples.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Korean baby boomers (born 1955-1963) comprise the largest segment of the population approaching old age in Korea, and the majority is married or partnered. However, little is known about how couples share subjective aging experiences and how their self-perceptions of aging are associated with family experiences in midlife.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We analyzed 727 couples from the Korean Baby Boomer Panel Study. Using Actor-Partner Interdependence Model, we investigated whether major health problems within a family and marital quality were associated with perceptions of aging and future time.

RESULTS

We found substantial within-couple similarity in self-perceptions of aging among Korean baby boomers. Own health problems were associated with more time limitation for both spouses, but family members' health problems (i.e., parents, spouse, and children) were associated with wives' self-perceptions of aging only. Furthermore, higher spousal support was associated with more positive self-perceptions of aging for both husbands and wives. Both own and partner reports of spousal strain were associated with husbands' higher levels of aging anxiety.

DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Given the significance of family events and marital quality on perceptions of aging among Korean baby boomer couples, both intergenerational and spousal contexts should be considered in examining subjective aging experiences in midlife.